House Gods: Sustainable Buildings and Renegade Builders

By Jim Kristofic

Book Overview

Our buildings are making us sick. Our homes, offices, factories, and dormitories are, in some sense, fresh parasites on the sacred Earth, Nahasdz n. In search of a better way, author Jim Kristofic journeys across the Southwest to apprentice with architects and builders who know how to make buildings that will take care of us. This is where he meets the House Gods who are building to the sun so that we can live on Earth. Forever.

In House Gods, Kristofic pursues the techniques of sustainable building and the philosophies of its practitioners. What emerges is a strange and haunting quest through adobe mud and mayhem, encounters with shamans and stray dogs, solar panels, tragedy, and true believers. It is a story about doing something meaningful, and about the kinds of things that grow out of deep pain. One of these things is compassion--from which may come solace. We build our buildings, we make our lives--we are the House Gods.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826368166
• ISBN13: 9780826368164
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Length: 240 Pages

Customer Reviews

Jim’s writing is luminous.

Jim’s writing is luminous. As a resident of Taos County, with solar panels on my roof, I am delighted to read his descriptions of the landscape, the spirituality of place and the companionship of a rescue dog. I look forward to everything this artist creates. I am grateful Jim spends his time teaching our Taos students. He is a treasure. Highly recommend.